Suspected Targeted Shooting Kills Asheboro Man in Robbery at 64 Skillz
The Asheboro Police Department (APD) is working diligently to unravel the details of a deadly armed robbery that has left the local community shaken. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday at approximately 7:30 a.m., when an assailant struck 64 Skillz, a gaming business on East Dixie Drive. David Matthew Davis, a 39-year-old man, tragically lost his life in this violent encounter, sparking grief and concern throughout Asheboro.
Police first responded to initial reports of an armed robbery in progress. However, before officers arrived, updates indicated that shots had been fired, escalating the incident from robbery to homicide. APD officers who reached the scene discovered Davis’s body inside the establishment, marking yet another tragedy in what has been an unsettling period for the Asheboro community.
Preliminary reports from the APD indicate that Davis may have been specifically targeted, though authorities are still piecing together what led to his death. The details surrounding Davis's presence at 64 Skillz remain unclear. Police have not yet confirmed if he was there as an employee, customer, or under other circumstances. However, with Asheboro Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) at the helm, the investigation is proceeding with the full weight of the department’s resources.
Upon arrival, APD officers immediately secured the area, ensuring a thorough and careful collection of evidence to reconstruct the series of events leading up to Davis’s tragic death. Detectives are meticulously examining every piece of forensic evidence and reviewing security footage, hoping these efforts will yield valuable insights. Witness interviews have also been a key focus, with authorities urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the vicinity to come forward.
At this stage, APD has been tight-lipped about potential suspects, declining to comment on whether they believe more than one individual may have been involved or if Davis had any prior interactions with the suspect or suspects. The CID has noted that establishing the motive behind the crime remains one of its top priorities. Without a clear motive, it is difficult to assess whether this was a random attack or if Davis was intentionally targeted for a specific reason.
As the investigation unfolds, Asheboro residents have voiced concerns about the state of safety in their community. The location of 64 Skillz along East Dixie Drive—a bustling commercial stretch—has made the violent incident all the more unsettling for business owners and patrons alike. Community members have expressed fears about rising violence, particularly in spaces meant for recreation and leisure. Many are questioning whether this type of crime is an isolated incident or part of a broader trend that may necessitate increased security measures in similar establishments.
In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for the APD acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the department’s commitment to public safety. “We are aware of the community’s concerns and are doing everything within our power to ensure justice for Mr. Davis and safety for our residents,” the spokesperson said, expressing confidence in the progress of the investigation. APD has been proactive in appealing to the public for information, stressing the potential value of community collaboration in solving this case.
For those with relevant details, Detective Williamson is available at (336) 626-1300, extension 2112, to receive any firsthand accounts or insights that could assist the investigation. Additionally, Randolph County Crimestoppers provides an anonymous tip line at (336) 672-7463 for those who may be hesitant to provide information directly to law enforcement.
Asheboro Police, alongside local authorities, continue to monitor the situation closely. They have reassured residents that more information will be released as it becomes available, with transparency remaining a top priority as the investigation progresses. Local leaders are already engaging in discussions with law enforcement to determine if additional preventative measures should be implemented to deter similar incidents in the future.
The death of David Matthew Davis marks a significant blow to Asheboro, where the community continues to grapple with the tragic loss. As APD intensifies its investigative efforts, the police department and Asheboro’s residents alike are hopeful that those responsible for this senseless act will be swiftly brought to justice.
